PhD Studentships

PhD Studentship awards embed the 3Rs in the training of graduate scientists from a broad range of scientific backgrounds. Applications from any area of medical, biological or veterinary research are within remit; those that integrate a range of disciplines or include an industrial partner are particularly encouraged. 

This competition is run annually and awards of either three or four years duration with a value of £30k (non-FEC) per annum are available. The budget for the 2021 call is £1.08 million.

BHF-NC3Rs Joint PhD Studentship awards

As part of our continued collaboration, up to two additional joint awards are available with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), with a value of £30k (non-FEC) per annum for three years. Applications for the NC3Rs-BHF awards should seek to achieve 3Rs impact in the field of cardiovascular research.

These awards are subject to joint NC3Rs-BHF terms and conditions.

Prospective PhD students

We do not fund students directly. Studentship vacancies arising from our 2020 awards are advertised by the relevant research institutions and on our website. View studentship vacancies.

*A shortlisting stage may be held, depending upon the volume of applications received.

Please sign up to the NC3Rs newsletter for updates on funding schemes.

Establishment eligibility

Supervisors from any UK research establishment can apply, including:

• Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

• Independent Research Organisations (IROs).

• Research Council (RC) Institutes.

The research organisation is responsible for finding students and the administration of each studentship during the award.

Individual eligibility

• Applicants should be UK-based researchers with a minimum of five years' postdoctoral experience.

• A minimum of two Supervisors should be included on an application.

• Applicants with limited supervisory experience are encouraged to name a more experienced colleague as a Co-Supervisor.

• The lead applicant must have a contract of employment with the RO that will outlast the duration of the proposed application.

• If an NC3Rs grant holder has more than 12 months remaining on their NC3Rs grant, at the time of application, they are not permitted to apply as a Primary Investigator for further NC3Rs funding (excluding CRACK IT and Skills and Knowledge Transfer grants – please contact the Office to discuss).

• A proposal may integrate two disciplines or departments; however, applicants must ensure that the training content remains coherent and focused on delivering a specific set of research skills.

Industrial and overseas researchers

Industrial and overseas researchers cannot be Primary Investigators but can be included as collaborators or project partners.

Resubmissions

The NC3Rs does not allow resubmission of previously unsuccessful proposals, unless explicitly invited by the Panel. 

Proposals previously declined by the NC3Rs will not be considered by a Research Council or funder within 12 months (from the date of first submission to a Research Council) unless substantially revised. More information can be found in the NC3Rs Applicant and Grant Holder Handbook.

Applicants are advised to read and refer to the NC3Rs Applicant and Grant Holder Handbook, particularly Section 4.4 Studentship Scheme – Application Guidance, which contains more detailed information on submitting both an outline and full application. Applicants should also take note of the 'Considerations at informal outline stage' and 'Studentship panel scoring criteria' when compiling an application.

Please ensure that the correct forms are used at both outline and full application stage.

Outlines and full applications received after 4pm on the deadline date will not be considered, without exception.

Outline stage

Before submitting a full application applicants are required to complete an outline of the research proposal (see downloads). A letter of support from the Head of Department and the main Supervisor's CV (to include supervisory experience and not to exceed three sides of A4) are also required.

Please email the below to studentships@nc3rs.org.uk before 4pm, 3 May 2022:

1. Completed outline form

2. Head of Department letter of support

3. Main supervisor's CV

Submitting a full application

We use the Research Councils' joint electronic submission system (Je-S) and applications are processed by the RCUK Shared Business Services.

Important points to note - additional documents to upload as part of the Je-S application:

• NC3Rs Studentship Supporting Information Form (compulsory)

• Animal research questions in Annex 1 (if applicable)

Invited, full proposals must be submitted via Je-S. Applicants applying for a joint award, should note this within their outline form and, if invited, in the ‘Objectives’ and the ‘Case for Support’ sections of their full applications.

Applications are assessed by the Studentship Assessment Panel. The following criteria are taken into consideration when making funding decisions:

• Potential impact on the 3Rs

• Quality of the proposed project

• Expertise and track record of the Supervisor

• The training / research environment

• Strategic relevance to the highlight notice (where appropriate)

A shortlisting stage will take place prior to the Panel meeting. Applications will be reviewed by the Panel to identify those which are not competitive. 

Please note the Studentship Panel Scoring Criteria and Guidance below.

Application process

Guidance for applicants and award holders is also available on the UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) website.

Forms

Assessment criteria

Terms and conditions